Some MDS Preparation Tips

Choosing and preparing your backpack for the race: What is the ideal backpack weight?

Here is the ideal backpack recommended for the MDS: WAA Ultra Bag 20L. (link: https://www.waa-ultra.com/fr/mds-ultra-bag-20l.html)

The ideal weight varies between 7/8kg (without water) depending on individual goals and comfort. It is up to you to optimize the backpack weight as much as possible.

Remember that you will have to carry it throughout the course.

 

Which shoes to choose?

For shoes, we recommend choosing a pair of lightweight trail shoes with good grip and, above all, that are not new. It is recommended to take a pair of shoes 1 to 2 sizes larger than usual.

The choice of socks is just as important! Plan for two pairs, such as trail socks or blister-preventing socks, which you can change from one day to the next or during the race if your feet get wet.

 

Advice from veteran runners regarding shoes for the MDS:

(Note, this advice is personal. Some tips may suit you, while others may not. It is important to try your shoes well before the MDS)

- Trail shoes for all types of terrain, with good grip (large lugs), lightweight, suitable for long distances, with good cushioning

- It is preferable to sew gaiters onto the shoes

- It is really important to test the shoes beforehand

- There is no particular shoe brand to choose.

 

Advice from veteran runners regarding clothing for the MDS:

(Note, this advice is personal. Some tips may suit you, while others may not. It is important to try your clothing well before the MDS):

- Wear a sleeve and a damp scarf under the cap

- Take technical, short, and comfortable clothing

- Lightweight & breathable clothes that dry quickly

- You must be comfortable in your clothes

- Plan clothes for the night

- Take a windbreaker

- Bring spare underwear and socks

- Do not forget gaiters

- One outfit for running and bivouac may suffice depending on individual needs

- Clothing perfectly fitted to the body to avoid chafing

- Do your preparation wearing the outfit

- Bring leggings for the evening

- Favor clothes with multiple pockets to distribute the load

- Opt for very high-quality technical clothing

 

Advice from veteran runners regarding cooking equipment for the MDS:

(Note, this advice is personal. Some tips may suit you, while others may not. It is important to try your cooking equipment well before the MDS):

- Take the lightest possible equipment

- Take a pot with a lid to prevent sand from getting into food and to warm meals faster (otherwise use aluminum foil)

- Try to find a "spoon-fork"

- Take an aluminum or titanium pot or mess kit to heat water

- Use a water bottle cut in half as a bowl

 

Advice from veteran runners regarding essential gear not to forget for the MDS:

(Note, this advice is personal. Some tips may suit you, while others may not. It is important to try your gear well before the MDS):

- Third water bottle to wet your head

- A good pair of shoes (adapted to terrain – sand & stones)

- Gaiters

- Lip balm with sun protection

- Poles

- NOK cream (be careful not to overload the backpack)

- Aspirin

- Mattress for good nights

- Warm clothes for the evening (leggings)

- Cap

- Sunglasses

- Wet wipes for hygiene (in tablets) or compressed towels

- Good pair of socks (double layer)

- Flip-flops or slippers for the bivouac

- Mobile phone for taking photos (+ battery)

- Stove

- Windbreaker

- Toilet paper

- Vaseline

 

Advice from veteran runners regarding the sleeping bag for the MDS:

(Note, this advice is personal. Some tips may suit you, while others may not. It is important to try your sleeping bag well before the MDS):

- It must be light, warm, compact, and thin

- Be careful not to take something too warm for people who are not sensitive to cold

- Practice folding and unfolding the sleeping bag in advance (for packing the bag)

- Recovery is important, so do not neglect sleep equipment

- Try to take a small, lightweight, and thin mattress (foam for example)

- You can combine a bag + a liner

- No need to take a very large sleeping bag

 

Advice from veteran runners regarding the backpack for the MDS:

(Note, this advice is personal. Some tips may suit you, while others may not. It is important to try your backpack well before the MDS):

- Minimize unnecessary packaging

- It should not weigh more than 7-8 kg (excluding water)

- Make a food bag per day

- Know your backpack well so you don't have to search for gear during the race

- Repackage freeze-dried meals to save weight

- Do all packing tests at home

- Do not bring anything superfluous, take only the strict minimum

- Make a good weight distribution between the front and back of the backpack, as well as between the left and right sides

- Have essentials within reach for the race in the front pack of the WAA backpack

- Do not forget to take a waterproof bag

 

How to avoid blisters during the race?

Using a pair of gaiters is essential during the race. We advise you to have a cobbler sew the gaiters onto your shoes (mind the timing). If you do not have any yet, discover the WAA gaiters here (https://www.waa-ultra.com/fr/mds-desert-gaiters.html).

To avoid blisters, we recommend applying 1 month before departure:

- A lotion to tan, strengthen, and harden the feet, such as TANO, every morning.

- An anti-friction lotion, such as NOK, every evening.